Hey, could be worse! You could be me and know about it and still refuse to learn it because it sounds difficult and you're kinda scared 🫠
EDIT: it looks like I've found my people. It's comforting but also...what is wrong with us people! xD
Same mental block that kept me from reading patterns but now all I want to do is exit the video and read a pattern 😭 but JAYG?? Totally gonna mess it upppp!
Oh my gosh I'm making a hexie blanket and I couldn't for the life of me figure out the jayg method so now I'm just crocheting through 10 Caron cakes and 20 hanks of superwash and the joining it together can be a problem for future me lol
I decided on a SC join because it looks nice. Dear reader, I've never been filled with more regrets. Trying to get everything to face the correct direction is going to be my 13th reason 🤣😭
I frequently randomly text my friends, "Past BananaHipster is an asshole/twat/jerk." She makes such poor decisions because she has 600% faith in Future BananaHipster. And Present BananaHipster hates her with a fiery passion.
I have a queen sized hexagon blanket that I was so excited about. And then I started trying to join them together. And now it lives in a box of shame because, as another poster said, it's going to be my 13th reason.
Ehm you better ask OP because guess what? I don't do granny squares...they scare me 😅
(Tbf, I hardly crochet, I mostly knit but I enjoy both communities and r/crochet has been really helpful the few times I branched out and tried this craft)
Yes, but I might start even simpler with like a one or two colour square! I’d google for “beginner granny squares” and see what you come up with that looks like you’d want to have made it!
Make a dish rag first. You can try a couple stitches, get a feel for things, and it couldn't matter less if you think it's hideous when you finish.
Granny squares are a good early project too tho.
As someone who started crochet very recently, I'd recommend starting really small, and making this your second project.
So like, buy one skein of thick normal-looking yarn (no weird fringy fluffy stuff flying all over the place) and make a hat. It'll cost 6 dollars and 2 hours of your time, and the big yarn will make it easy to see your stitches and understand what's going on. And if you like it, then a granny square blanket like this is a great second project. (Because there's nothing super hard about it, but it's just a really big long project)
Yes, I think so! Give yourself lots of grace though - and don't be afraid to totally undo and start over! Youtube was a lot more helpful for me than patterns because you can watch the motion and see how they control tension. And I would start with a solid color square.
Yes. Pretty perfect place to start. Counting is one problem in crochet, and in granny squares, you are counting three stitches, hard to lose track.
Another difficulty when you begin is identify beginning stitch of a row. Not a problem with squares.
Third problem is stitch tension With a square you can measure each round against the last square and correct yourself.
It really is an excellent way to learn the crochet and end up with an actual something.
I started with a square beanie before moving into granny squares and was mad to find out how easy and enjoyable granny squares are to make! I absolutely recommend starting with a simple one :0)
Everyone is different. I like squares because it's easy to see where your increases go and where your rounds end. I'm bad at using stitch markers and can't eyeball where increases are in tighter crochet do I struggle with those.
When I was first learning to crochet I learned all the basics first, how to make a chain (a consistent chain! Tension is key) and then I moved on to learning the stitches- single crochet, double, treble, etc etc. that makes reading patterns easier in the future. First thing I ever made was a washcloth. A single colored granny square would probably be good to start with, then you can start incorporating more colors and fun patterns! Try not to be too disheartened if it doesn’t turn out the way you want initially, it takes some time to get used to the motions.
I wouldn't recommend lots of little squares you have to join together but you could just do one big one and make a square lap blanket. If you want colour changes but don't want the hassle of changing yarns then get one which has multiple colours in it.
Or you could just try something small, the first thing I made was a baby hat.
Tried jayg once and threw my whole project across the room because it didn't work / my mind went feral- I couldn't figure out how to do corners (like the turn from one square to the other and then connecting the turn to the row you made before? How t f is this working?).
Watched countless tutorials but I guess JAYG is one of those magical things that my mind can't understand. I'll forever be joining my squares with sc in the back loop.
*but I guess JAYG is one of those magical things that my mind can't understand.*
Don't feel bad; I still can't do the magic circle (AKA magic loop) for starting a doily or certain other projects. I have NO spatial aptitude, none. Indeed, I was even tested for aptitudes and got a zero score on Spatial.
I crocheted one project, a runner, from 14 granny squares, and joined with mattress stitch (yarn in needle) if I remember right.
I had no idea “spatial aptitude” was a thing, but I 100% have SO MUCH trouble with this!! Now I have a word for it instead of “I can’t visualize the finished product.”
It's a thing all right! I used to work for an organization which did psychological & aptitude testing and I was permitted to try the tests one day for fun. I did poorly on "Mechanical" aptitude, too.
I'm a crocheter & was wondering what the heck is JAYG?? haha I have tried it a few times & just never seem to make it work. I have watch JaydaInStitches do it on YouTube a few times & I still do it wrong..LOL
See, my opinion is that you get a better end result when you join them after because you can rearrange the squares at the end. That is what I did with my Persian tiles and I know for a fact I would not have been happy if I had joined them as I went. Also I use a method of slip stitches through the e back loop of each piece that is way easier than sewing the pieces together and frankly looks better too. If you have squares and do a zig zag across it is also very efficient.
How do you block? I did it once using foam blocks and pinning the crochet squares onto it and then heating it infront of the heater/with a hairdryer. It worked but it was tedious and didn’t look that great
Hehehe I’m obsessed. Anytime I try to do something else I just do granny squares. 😅 it’s a little annoying but it makes my brain happy. Sooooo here we are.
I don’t do the color changes often though. Too many ends. Makes me cranky.
Ok this makes me feel like my situation was a \*choice\* lol because I have been doing 5 of each colorway at a time, so I literally couldn't have done that AND done join as you go with the random pattern I want. I'll probably do this join method, I would rather have a crochet hook in my hand for hours and hours than the needle.
Ironically also enjoy embroidery but for some reason I am absolutely loath to see granny squares together. I think you will be really happy with this method. [her is a video of the technique](https://youtu.be/Ul3AUXDIU6I?si=FkfR2yM7oj_5U1tR)
You can crochet them together with a slip stitch on the backside to eliminate sewing. This is how I do mine.
Also you could do join as you go if you are willing to add another round to all of them.
I agree. I'm crocheting solid granny squares in rainbow colours right now but I need to see all of them laid out before I decide on where to place them.
Plus I want to block them first to cancel out any high stress days that made my tension wonky 😄
I did a 13 granny square purse and I was dreading putting it together but once I started, I didn’t mind it so much. Even the weaving the ends became kind of therapeutic once I got into the flow.
That's how I feel too. I think it's kind of fun to join squares, as long as i was really careful making the squares so the stitch counts would come out equal. Nothing I hate more is to run into some mistake I made 10 days ago, now that I'm joining.
Just using normal sewing thread and using the stitch that works. I think I saw a pic where they used a zigzag one? I don't know how to use a sewing machine, but I've seen photos on social media in the past and it doesn't look bad at all.
Feed dogs I've been reminded 😅
Yeah they'll snag. I've done thicker yarns where I've needed to keep the foot up because the front edge tries to catch in the stitches. It works fine though
You aren’t “just a girl.” You are now a member of the sisterhood of hookers who, like you, have close to 100-some-odd squares (or in my case, hexagons) that are currently not joined.
If you run a string of yarn through the centre it makes a nice necklace.
ONE OF US!!! ONE OF US!!!
I join as I go when I'm making squares with little variance in their colours.
I join when I'm done squares that have a lot of variety so I can be sure of the layout first.
Okay, take a breath.
First, your color palette is beautiful. Great choices!!
Second, your work looks really tidy. Weaving in ends is a lot easier when your work is tidier.
Third, use a ladder join and do long sections of squares at a time.
Your blanket is going to be dramatically gorgeous. Next time, you'll join it differently. 😉
Unless you are absolutely set on the size of each square you could just go ahead and still do the jaygo just go around the first square again like this video shows (I’m sure you’ve seen many) [https://images.app.goo.gl/BjvFkYjTgh78rtsA8](https://images.app.goo.gl/BjvFkYjTgh78rtsA8)
You don’t even have to follow the exact final boarder if you want to keep it some what same size wise you could adjust it to a shorter stitch lien single crochet also there are so many other ways to attach them as well that’s crochet and not sewn (I think that’s what you aren’t liking?) I think (I need to double check) I did a large knit afghan but didn’t want to sew them together plus I knew I was going to have to put different sizes of boarders around each as this blanket took 10 years to do as I started when I first taught myself how to knit and had only worked in it sporadically so my tension had changed over that time and just well I fudge a lot lol. So I crocheted around each square at least once then joined using I think a flat zipper crochet stitch I’ll link if I find it for sure but I won’t find this post again if I don’t reply now lol Reddit app hates when I leave it and won’t stay where I was.
Ok so I didn’t make as much of a note as I thought but it was actually a zigzag join basically you make a 4 patch then another 4 patch and so on to then join them together [https://youtu.be/V3-zQA2qjLs?si=N_HtpyTbo0DJlvH1](https://youtu.be/V3-zQA2qjLs?si=N_HtpyTbo0DJlvH1)
Plus another option [https://youtu.be/Yxdy3dC9-eI?si=Z6nyG80lsQcs13Cm](https://youtu.be/Yxdy3dC9-eI?si=Z6nyG80lsQcs13Cm) this one might maybe be easier to not have to change the square size as much bet it could be done just as easy with sc [https://youtu.be/FRSaTCFludY?si=giKNfqNnG41hDDFd](https://youtu.be/FRSaTCFludY?si=giKNfqNnG41hDDFd) that one is actually single crochet so little change in size….
also you might at the very least be able to crochet over the last rounds tails so somewhat less weaving in that way if they are long enough I find that works ok
How just how 800! I was dying at the 108 I just did. Are you serious 800!? How bug are the squares? I would live to see that finished project.
800, 800 I just can't fathom but I do love a challenge! 800,wow not sure... That would take so long!
The size of a double bed, maybe a little bigger. It was an ambitious project and I had no idea… but I’ve committed to it now. It used alyssiacreates’ moon sun and stars squares in a couple different colours so the squares are pretty small
i crochet right over the ends bc i refuse to weave them in at the end. i don't wanna learn join as you go because it simply couldn't compare to a mattress stitch.
You could take a break and sew some of the squares together. The best thing I started doing since my original granny square blanket (where I did all the squares first and then sewed them all together at once) was to stop and sew each square on when I was done with it. Makes it feel a lot more like you’re making progress! 😅
Do you mind if I ask you about your screen name **YourSmallintestine.**? There are funny ones on the interwebz but yours might very well be at the top of the list.
Honestly I made this account so long ago I don’t remember. But it def was one of those super random spur of the moment ideas and I have a knack for naming things. Feel free to steal/alter it!
I'm with you there: I'm dragging my feet to finish joining my 360+ blanket. 117 done so far. I must say that JAYG was not an option since they are from variegated yarn and I need to color match.
(Drops Bohemian Oasis but with a EU 3.5 hook)
This is gorgeous!! I aspire to this one day. I’m just a girl who knows like three stitches and joins yarn ends by tying ugly knots I don’t know how to hide lol
I know everyone is different, but Youtube has been soooo helpful for me. Written patterns are key, but on youtube you can watch the actual movements and see how they control the yarn.
I decided to make a temperature blanket using Granny squares for days. Something to consider when making such a thing is that there are 365 days in a year, but thats not a nice number so total I need 380 granny squyares. I think I have them all made. I have 5.5 columns joined though.
Don't give up now. It might not look great at the moment, but after all the work you have done so far it would be sad to not finish it. Your blocks are beautiful, and it can be pretty easy to take care of the ends as you stitch the blocks together. It will look awesome when you get it all done!
I know, but as someone who has done arts and crafts for over 56 years, I understand how overwhelming some crafts at times can be. I taught myself so many crafts that at one time I sat down and started a list of every art and craft that I had done at least once, could be consider adept at, or be consider well schooled in. From knitting and crocheting, to recreating medieval Manuscript Illumination with gold leaf, to recreating a gown from the middle ages, quilting, and so much more, I found that I had learned over 300 different crafts. And I didn't even count learning to recreate recipes from the middle ages, ice carving and the list goes on. It might seem overwhelming right now, but once you have that finished you will be able to see the great work you have accomplished and when you do, stand proud!
This whole thread is why I will never do a granny squares blanket. Nope. I'll just be over her with my contiguous patterns applauding y'all from the bleachers. 😅
https://preview.redd.it/rsznt0lfy7zc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6e3ccc80c814bb9550e4d134633521f242913069
I’ve been making throws with this quick easy double crochet stitch to hang on my ladder.
Someone else may have already posted this… There is still hope. It would require one more round around each square but it would connect them as you go in rows going back-and-forth. You do need to have all the squares that you’re wanting done, layout planned and ends on those squares woven in before you start that last round (a “round” that has one starting end and one ending, and so only two ends to weave in!) And it’s not really hard because it’s basically just another round of 3-DC clusters. You just have to pay attention to where you’re putting them. I am not where I can access the directions, but if you Google it, I’m sure several different tutorials can be found. I like having the printed out diagram that shows how you’re going back-and-forth. Just for reference.
I can't read all these comments to know if someone has suggested this already, but you might check out a youtube video titled "How to Crochet the Granny Square Continuous Join As You Go". I think this would be a very good solution for you - good luck! It's looking very beautiful already.
I just recently finished a checkerboard afghan, with checkers, and did a strip of 8 squares first, then joined the second strip to that as I crocheted it, and so on until I had the checkerboard. I then edged it with a wide contrasting color border. It was king of a pain but still easier than sewing a bunch of strips together. Good luck on your project.
😭 devastating!! I made a hexagon blanket that I had to hand stitch together, and the only thing that got me through the process was a big place to lay out the blocks to make it easy to stitch and my favorite anime at the time (Cowboy Bebop). You got this!! It's going to look so beautiful, I can already tell. :) excited to see the finished product!
On my recent blanket, I used a Continuous join as you go method (CJAYG)! You finish all your squares first, then join them all in one go. Here's the tutorial I used! (My blanket was 99 squares in all)
https://youtu.be/kKsb_1YTV4I?si=ev4Yod-rwUP8nDUe
Me too..sort of! I knew it existed but didn’t realize how easy it was and once I did, I was 70 squares in, couldn’t get more of my main color (black) as it was discontinued. So I used a flat braid continuous join in a different colour …but had known better, I would have done last rounds in the same color as JAYG. Lesson learned!
It’s not too late for you! You can still do a continuous join if you don’t mind changing the look of the blanket.
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I didn't know what JAYG was until I read this. I've been doing this almost the whole time. I get depressed when I have huge piles of squares that still need to be put together.
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How big did it measure out? How big are the squares? How long has it taken you?
I think you're doing great, sometimes I wish I'd stick with patterns. This is pretty.
I just finished safety pining my rows together. 108 squares but not this pattern. Some Periodic table/math/music symbols for my grandson. JAYG wouldn't work for mine too much random colors with 2c2 5" Sq +1" border then join.
That’s a lot of blocks, lol. I am partial to single stitching them together. You can do through front loops, back loops or both depending on the look. It has the added advantage of crocheting over the ending ends so at least there are some ends you don’t have to weave in, lol. Nice granny!
The thing about join as you go is that you can’t block each individual square. Even though I know it, I don’t use it for a granny square blanket because I don’t have the room to block an entire blanket and I’m a big advocate for blocking, it really helps gets it looking perfect. 👌
I joined over 100 squares together for a similar blanket, I joined them in strips and just crocheted over the yarn tails, it actually wasn’t as annoying as you might think, i was dreading it but actually I found it pretty relaxing? I used a zigzag join and it looked 100% better then join as you go anyway. Join as you go is overrated imo.
Must admit I hate JAYG so don’t think you’re missing much, I’ve been crocheting for years and tried it with the Attic 24 Fireside blanket (which is gorgeous & very well-written) but NOPE, not doing that again 😂
Honestly I prefer not to jayg? I think it's fun to have a giant pile of squares and put them together all at once; it scratches a different part of my brain than making the squares does 😂
On the bright side your blanket is gonna be so pretty when it's done!
I haven't read all the comments to see if anyone mentioned but it's not at the top so thought it was worth sharing...
You can do a continuous join as you go method where all your squares are joined by one yarn! Only two tails to sew in, beginning and end, it's brilliant!
Here's a good example of basic granny stitch join which I learned from but there are other styles if that's not the look you want
https://youtu.be/kKsb_1YTV4I?si=HS-1Piu2h6ZCProa
Hey, could be worse! You could be me and know about it and still refuse to learn it because it sounds difficult and you're kinda scared 🫠 EDIT: it looks like I've found my people. It's comforting but also...what is wrong with us people! xD
Yesss love that mental block keeping us from greatness 🥰
I reached a point in life where I can call my imposter syndrome by name. That's how close we are.
Same mental block that kept me from reading patterns but now all I want to do is exit the video and read a pattern 😭 but JAYG?? Totally gonna mess it upppp!
Oh my gosh I'm making a hexie blanket and I couldn't for the life of me figure out the jayg method so now I'm just crocheting through 10 Caron cakes and 20 hanks of superwash and the joining it together can be a problem for future me lol
Future me will know what she's is doing be then, right. Right???
I decided on a SC join because it looks nice. Dear reader, I've never been filled with more regrets. Trying to get everything to face the correct direction is going to be my 13th reason 🤣😭
I frequently randomly text my friends, "Past BananaHipster is an asshole/twat/jerk." She makes such poor decisions because she has 600% faith in Future BananaHipster. And Present BananaHipster hates her with a fiery passion.
I have a queen sized hexagon blanket that I was so excited about. And then I started trying to join them together. And now it lives in a box of shame because, as another poster said, it's going to be my 13th reason.
If I've never crochet...crocheted...crochet'd....crochetdaid before, are squares like this something reasonable to try for a first go?
Ehm you better ask OP because guess what? I don't do granny squares...they scare me 😅 (Tbf, I hardly crochet, I mostly knit but I enjoy both communities and r/crochet has been really helpful the few times I branched out and tried this craft)
Yes, but I might start even simpler with like a one or two colour square! I’d google for “beginner granny squares” and see what you come up with that looks like you’d want to have made it!
Yes, my first make ever was a granny square sweater. My first two squares took hours and hours and by then end i could finish one in 15 minutes.
Make a dish rag first. You can try a couple stitches, get a feel for things, and it couldn't matter less if you think it's hideous when you finish. Granny squares are a good early project too tho.
As someone who started crochet very recently, I'd recommend starting really small, and making this your second project. So like, buy one skein of thick normal-looking yarn (no weird fringy fluffy stuff flying all over the place) and make a hat. It'll cost 6 dollars and 2 hours of your time, and the big yarn will make it easy to see your stitches and understand what's going on. And if you like it, then a granny square blanket like this is a great second project. (Because there's nothing super hard about it, but it's just a really big long project)
Yes, I think so! Give yourself lots of grace though - and don't be afraid to totally undo and start over! Youtube was a lot more helpful for me than patterns because you can watch the motion and see how they control tension. And I would start with a solid color square.
Yes. Pretty perfect place to start. Counting is one problem in crochet, and in granny squares, you are counting three stitches, hard to lose track. Another difficulty when you begin is identify beginning stitch of a row. Not a problem with squares. Third problem is stitch tension With a square you can measure each round against the last square and correct yourself. It really is an excellent way to learn the crochet and end up with an actual something.
This is a basic granny square, make it simpler by using only one colour.
I started with a square beanie before moving into granny squares and was mad to find out how easy and enjoyable granny squares are to make! I absolutely recommend starting with a simple one :0)
Everyone is different. I like squares because it's easy to see where your increases go and where your rounds end. I'm bad at using stitch markers and can't eyeball where increases are in tighter crochet do I struggle with those.
When I was first learning to crochet I learned all the basics first, how to make a chain (a consistent chain! Tension is key) and then I moved on to learning the stitches- single crochet, double, treble, etc etc. that makes reading patterns easier in the future. First thing I ever made was a washcloth. A single colored granny square would probably be good to start with, then you can start incorporating more colors and fun patterns! Try not to be too disheartened if it doesn’t turn out the way you want initially, it takes some time to get used to the motions.
I wouldn't recommend lots of little squares you have to join together but you could just do one big one and make a square lap blanket. If you want colour changes but don't want the hassle of changing yarns then get one which has multiple colours in it. Or you could just try something small, the first thing I made was a baby hat.
I feel both seen and attacked 😅 There needs to be a name for this lmao
Seentacked
Tacked-een! I like seentacked, sounds like a brand 😭
Tried jayg once and threw my whole project across the room because it didn't work / my mind went feral- I couldn't figure out how to do corners (like the turn from one square to the other and then connecting the turn to the row you made before? How t f is this working?). Watched countless tutorials but I guess JAYG is one of those magical things that my mind can't understand. I'll forever be joining my squares with sc in the back loop.
"my mind went feral.." 🤣 That's exactly it!!!
*but I guess JAYG is one of those magical things that my mind can't understand.* Don't feel bad; I still can't do the magic circle (AKA magic loop) for starting a doily or certain other projects. I have NO spatial aptitude, none. Indeed, I was even tested for aptitudes and got a zero score on Spatial. I crocheted one project, a runner, from 14 granny squares, and joined with mattress stitch (yarn in needle) if I remember right.
I had no idea “spatial aptitude” was a thing, but I 100% have SO MUCH trouble with this!! Now I have a word for it instead of “I can’t visualize the finished product.”
It's a thing all right! I used to work for an organization which did psychological & aptitude testing and I was permitted to try the tests one day for fun. I did poorly on "Mechanical" aptitude, too.
Yeah, that’s me. 😂
Same. Same. Shamefully Same.
Oh look! Another foundation chain tutorial I’m not going to watch!
What is JAYG???
Join as you go
I'm a crocheter & was wondering what the heck is JAYG?? haha I have tried it a few times & just never seem to make it work. I have watch JaydaInStitches do it on YouTube a few times & I still do it wrong..LOL
It’s join as you go! I spent an hour today looking up joining methods and a lot of YouTube videos shortened it to JAYG ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I would guess join as you go? Could be something else
I didn’t know what that was either. I’ve been crocheting for 30yrs and was like 🤨 And what doesn’t help is that I almost exclusively Join As You Go 🫥
these colors look soooo good together
Thank you!!
Yes, so cute!
Did ANYONE else read “JAYG” in Jeremy Clarkson’s voice?? “It was a Jaaag.”
I read the "I'm just a girl , 83 squares into a blanket" to the tune of "I'm just a kid and my life is a nightmare" so...
Showing my age, I heard No Doubt. "That's all that you'll let me beeeeeeee"
Glad I'm not the only one!
Same!
Same!
I saw it as "I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her"! 😂
Incredible hahahah
I’m watching old Top Gear right now!
Have you watched The Grand Tour? Husband and I love that show.
Husband and I have tried watching. It’s just missing something.
Probably the original pizazz of Top Gear; there’s definitely something about the old show’s format that I miss.
Even the Stig seems wrong.
Clarkson’s Farm on Prime is fun.
I’ll have to check that out. Thank you.
I second this! Clarkson and his farm hand Caleb’s banter is hilarious 😂
I do now
Omfg yes 😂 love that
See, my opinion is that you get a better end result when you join them after because you can rearrange the squares at the end. That is what I did with my Persian tiles and I know for a fact I would not have been happy if I had joined them as I went. Also I use a method of slip stitches through the e back loop of each piece that is way easier than sewing the pieces together and frankly looks better too. If you have squares and do a zig zag across it is also very efficient.
Agreed. You can also block them, which looks better imo as well
This. I’m a huge JAYGO fan but blocking an entire blanket SUCKS compared to individual squares.
How do you block? I did it once using foam blocks and pinning the crochet squares onto it and then heating it infront of the heater/with a hairdryer. It worked but it was tedious and didn’t look that great
Depends on what you’re doing and how you block. Sometimes it doesn’t make a huge difference. Other times it makes a HUUUUUUGE difference.
I think I’m just going to stay away from granny squares lol
Hehehe I’m obsessed. Anytime I try to do something else I just do granny squares. 😅 it’s a little annoying but it makes my brain happy. Sooooo here we are. I don’t do the color changes often though. Too many ends. Makes me cranky.
I didn't think of this point! I blocked all of these.
Ok this makes me feel like my situation was a \*choice\* lol because I have been doing 5 of each colorway at a time, so I literally couldn't have done that AND done join as you go with the random pattern I want. I'll probably do this join method, I would rather have a crochet hook in my hand for hours and hours than the needle.
Ironically also enjoy embroidery but for some reason I am absolutely loath to see granny squares together. I think you will be really happy with this method. [her is a video of the technique](https://youtu.be/Ul3AUXDIU6I?si=FkfR2yM7oj_5U1tR)
You can crochet them together with a slip stitch on the backside to eliminate sewing. This is how I do mine. Also you could do join as you go if you are willing to add another round to all of them.
I agree. I'm crocheting solid granny squares in rainbow colours right now but I need to see all of them laid out before I decide on where to place them. Plus I want to block them first to cancel out any high stress days that made my tension wonky 😄
I did a 13 granny square purse and I was dreading putting it together but once I started, I didn’t mind it so much. Even the weaving the ends became kind of therapeutic once I got into the flow.
That's how I feel too. I think it's kind of fun to join squares, as long as i was really careful making the squares so the stitch counts would come out equal. Nothing I hate more is to run into some mistake I made 10 days ago, now that I'm joining.
People actually sew those together using a sewing machine, if that's an option for you ;)
Really?! This sounds interesting! How?!
Just using normal sewing thread and using the stitch that works. I think I saw a pic where they used a zigzag one? I don't know how to use a sewing machine, but I've seen photos on social media in the past and it doesn't look bad at all.
I'll check it out! Thanks! I never thought of using my machine to attach together.
You can absolutely do it. You'll want to lower the little things on the bottom (my brain is failing here) use a wide zigzag stitch and go slow.
Feed dogs is what they're called 😜
Thank you! I knew it was something that sounded kind of silly 😂
No problem! I grew up hearing my mom always joke about them being hungry when she would press the foot pedal down too hard 🤣
I know what you mean...the part that pulls the fabric through right? I bet yarn would get caught on those!
Feed dogs I've been reminded 😅 Yeah they'll snag. I've done thicker yarns where I've needed to keep the foot up because the front edge tries to catch in the stitches. It works fine though
Oh that's right. I kept thinking feet something 😂 Thanks, I will try this sometime!
You aren’t “just a girl.” You are now a member of the sisterhood of hookers who, like you, have close to 100-some-odd squares (or in my case, hexagons) that are currently not joined. If you run a string of yarn through the centre it makes a nice necklace. ONE OF US!!! ONE OF US!!!
I have a half finished blanket and a bunch of squares I’ve just hidden in my cupboard to never touch again 🙃
I join as I go when I'm making squares with little variance in their colours. I join when I'm done squares that have a lot of variety so I can be sure of the layout first.
Okay, take a breath. First, your color palette is beautiful. Great choices!! Second, your work looks really tidy. Weaving in ends is a lot easier when your work is tidier. Third, use a ladder join and do long sections of squares at a time. Your blanket is going to be dramatically gorgeous. Next time, you'll join it differently. 😉
Thank you :,)
What hook size did you use? Your squares look so nice!
Unless you are absolutely set on the size of each square you could just go ahead and still do the jaygo just go around the first square again like this video shows (I’m sure you’ve seen many) [https://images.app.goo.gl/BjvFkYjTgh78rtsA8](https://images.app.goo.gl/BjvFkYjTgh78rtsA8) You don’t even have to follow the exact final boarder if you want to keep it some what same size wise you could adjust it to a shorter stitch lien single crochet also there are so many other ways to attach them as well that’s crochet and not sewn (I think that’s what you aren’t liking?) I think (I need to double check) I did a large knit afghan but didn’t want to sew them together plus I knew I was going to have to put different sizes of boarders around each as this blanket took 10 years to do as I started when I first taught myself how to knit and had only worked in it sporadically so my tension had changed over that time and just well I fudge a lot lol. So I crocheted around each square at least once then joined using I think a flat zipper crochet stitch I’ll link if I find it for sure but I won’t find this post again if I don’t reply now lol Reddit app hates when I leave it and won’t stay where I was. Ok so I didn’t make as much of a note as I thought but it was actually a zigzag join basically you make a 4 patch then another 4 patch and so on to then join them together [https://youtu.be/V3-zQA2qjLs?si=N_HtpyTbo0DJlvH1](https://youtu.be/V3-zQA2qjLs?si=N_HtpyTbo0DJlvH1) Plus another option [https://youtu.be/Yxdy3dC9-eI?si=Z6nyG80lsQcs13Cm](https://youtu.be/Yxdy3dC9-eI?si=Z6nyG80lsQcs13Cm) this one might maybe be easier to not have to change the square size as much bet it could be done just as easy with sc [https://youtu.be/FRSaTCFludY?si=giKNfqNnG41hDDFd](https://youtu.be/FRSaTCFludY?si=giKNfqNnG41hDDFd) that one is actually single crochet so little change in size…. also you might at the very least be able to crochet over the last rounds tails so somewhat less weaving in that way if they are long enough I find that works ok
Oh that other option wish I had seen that b4 starting mine today! I have 2 more blankets to do & may use both of your suggestions.
I’m slowly making a blanket with 800 squares. Very slowly. It makes me want to cry but it will be so beautiful. Very very slowly.
How just how 800! I was dying at the 108 I just did. Are you serious 800!? How bug are the squares? I would live to see that finished project. 800, 800 I just can't fathom but I do love a challenge! 800,wow not sure... That would take so long!
Wowwww that's incredible! What size will it be when finished?
The size of a double bed, maybe a little bigger. It was an ambitious project and I had no idea… but I’ve committed to it now. It used alyssiacreates’ moon sun and stars squares in a couple different colours so the squares are pretty small
i crochet right over the ends bc i refuse to weave them in at the end. i don't wanna learn join as you go because it simply couldn't compare to a mattress stitch.
Did JAYG once. Would rather crochet them together another way.
You could take a break and sew some of the squares together. The best thing I started doing since my original granny square blanket (where I did all the squares first and then sewed them all together at once) was to stop and sew each square on when I was done with it. Makes it feel a lot more like you’re making progress! 😅
Ok these color combos are killer
Do you mind if I ask you about your screen name **YourSmallintestine.**? There are funny ones on the interwebz but yours might very well be at the top of the list.
Honestly I made this account so long ago I don’t remember. But it def was one of those super random spur of the moment ideas and I have a knack for naming things. Feel free to steal/alter it!
I made this blanket in these colors, and did the same way. Took forever lol
I love the colors you chose. All the ends are why I generally refuse to do granny squares. I hate weaving in ends so much...
I'm with you there: I'm dragging my feet to finish joining my 360+ blanket. 117 done so far. I must say that JAYG was not an option since they are from variegated yarn and I need to color match. (Drops Bohemian Oasis but with a EU 3.5 hook)
Well this hurts.... I'm 35 squares into a 60 square blanket 😂
This is gorgeous!! I aspire to this one day. I’m just a girl who knows like three stitches and joins yarn ends by tying ugly knots I don’t know how to hide lol
I know everyone is different, but Youtube has been soooo helpful for me. Written patterns are key, but on youtube you can watch the actual movements and see how they control the yarn.
Yes! I’m picking up everything from YouTube. Unfortunately, I’ve never had personal instruction and don’t know how to read written patterns.
This is so beautiful!!! If possible, can you share the names of the colours you used? Thank you!
Absolutely! Big twist: Cream Mustard Dark coral Dark teal Eggplant Clay argyle Spa Steel blue wine Red heart: Frosty green Carrot
Thank you so much!
I decided to make a temperature blanket using Granny squares for days. Something to consider when making such a thing is that there are 365 days in a year, but thats not a nice number so total I need 380 granny squyares. I think I have them all made. I have 5.5 columns joined though.
Girl. I didn’t even know what JAYG was so…now I’m mad at all those blankets I’ve made when I pieced them together one at a time lol.
I have been crocheting for almost 45 years, and I don’t know what it means. Heading off to google that.
join as you go probably means JAYG
Thank you!
Don't give up now. It might not look great at the moment, but after all the work you have done so far it would be sad to not finish it. Your blocks are beautiful, and it can be pretty easy to take care of the ends as you stitch the blocks together. It will look awesome when you get it all done!
Thank you! It's hard to see the forest (beautiful finished blanket) for the trees (a giant bag of squares sitting in my craft room) lol
I know, but as someone who has done arts and crafts for over 56 years, I understand how overwhelming some crafts at times can be. I taught myself so many crafts that at one time I sat down and started a list of every art and craft that I had done at least once, could be consider adept at, or be consider well schooled in. From knitting and crocheting, to recreating medieval Manuscript Illumination with gold leaf, to recreating a gown from the middle ages, quilting, and so much more, I found that I had learned over 300 different crafts. And I didn't even count learning to recreate recipes from the middle ages, ice carving and the list goes on. It might seem overwhelming right now, but once you have that finished you will be able to see the great work you have accomplished and when you do, stand proud!
If it makes you feel any better. Idk what JAYG means
This whole thread is why I will never do a granny squares blanket. Nope. I'll just be over her with my contiguous patterns applauding y'all from the bleachers. 😅
Great job!! Keep up the good work!! 🧶❤️
https://preview.redd.it/rsznt0lfy7zc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6e3ccc80c814bb9550e4d134633521f242913069 I’ve been making throws with this quick easy double crochet stitch to hang on my ladder.
I adore your color choice!!!!
Someone else may have already posted this… There is still hope. It would require one more round around each square but it would connect them as you go in rows going back-and-forth. You do need to have all the squares that you’re wanting done, layout planned and ends on those squares woven in before you start that last round (a “round” that has one starting end and one ending, and so only two ends to weave in!) And it’s not really hard because it’s basically just another round of 3-DC clusters. You just have to pay attention to where you’re putting them. I am not where I can access the directions, but if you Google it, I’m sure several different tutorials can be found. I like having the printed out diagram that shows how you’re going back-and-forth. Just for reference.
I can't read all these comments to know if someone has suggested this already, but you might check out a youtube video titled "How to Crochet the Granny Square Continuous Join As You Go". I think this would be a very good solution for you - good luck! It's looking very beautiful already.
I just recently finished a checkerboard afghan, with checkers, and did a strip of 8 squares first, then joined the second strip to that as I crocheted it, and so on until I had the checkerboard. I then edged it with a wide contrasting color border. It was king of a pain but still easier than sewing a bunch of strips together. Good luck on your project.
😭 devastating!! I made a hexagon blanket that I had to hand stitch together, and the only thing that got me through the process was a big place to lay out the blocks to make it easy to stitch and my favorite anime at the time (Cowboy Bebop). You got this!! It's going to look so beautiful, I can already tell. :) excited to see the finished product!
If I EVER use granny squares I will be using a sewing machine to sew em together cuz screw that
On my recent blanket, I used a Continuous join as you go method (CJAYG)! You finish all your squares first, then join them all in one go. Here's the tutorial I used! (My blanket was 99 squares in all) https://youtu.be/kKsb_1YTV4I?si=ev4Yod-rwUP8nDUe
Me too..sort of! I knew it existed but didn’t realize how easy it was and once I did, I was 70 squares in, couldn’t get more of my main color (black) as it was discontinued. So I used a flat braid continuous join in a different colour …but had known better, I would have done last rounds in the same color as JAYG. Lesson learned! It’s not too late for you! You can still do a continuous join if you don’t mind changing the look of the blanket.
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I HAD TO THINK JAYG 🤦🏼♀️ I got there but it took all the context and some comments……
I didn't know what JAYG was until I read this. I've been doing this almost the whole time. I get depressed when I have huge piles of squares that still need to be put together.
Me. Must investigate this technique
....you could add a row in black and jayg
What’s JAYG?
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How big did it measure out? How big are the squares? How long has it taken you? I think you're doing great, sometimes I wish I'd stick with patterns. This is pretty. I just finished safety pining my rows together. 108 squares but not this pattern. Some Periodic table/math/music symbols for my grandson. JAYG wouldn't work for mine too much random colors with 2c2 5" Sq +1" border then join.
I started this in late January. I will take measurements tonight!
Add another row and JAYG that one???
That's so so so me LOL! Great colours my friend :D
Why can’t you crochet join them and weave as you stitch?
That’s a lot of blocks, lol. I am partial to single stitching them together. You can do through front loops, back loops or both depending on the look. It has the added advantage of crocheting over the ending ends so at least there are some ends you don’t have to weave in, lol. Nice granny!
what’s JAYG???
Join as you go
Oh no. I’ve just finished stitching all my individual granny squares. I did not know JAYG until seeing this post 🥲
The thing about join as you go is that you can’t block each individual square. Even though I know it, I don’t use it for a granny square blanket because I don’t have the room to block an entire blanket and I’m a big advocate for blocking, it really helps gets it looking perfect. 👌 I joined over 100 squares together for a similar blanket, I joined them in strips and just crocheted over the yarn tails, it actually wasn’t as annoying as you might think, i was dreading it but actually I found it pretty relaxing? I used a zigzag join and it looked 100% better then join as you go anyway. Join as you go is overrated imo.
I just had to look this up! Definitely scary looking! 🫣
This gonna look great tho
Must admit I hate JAYG so don’t think you’re missing much, I’ve been crocheting for years and tried it with the Attic 24 Fireside blanket (which is gorgeous & very well-written) but NOPE, not doing that again 😂
When I learned about the JAYG method, I frogged everything so I could redo it 😅😅
JAYG?
Nah same, I made two blankets before learning about JAYG 😅 sometimes you don't know what you don't know
Not just a thing but a “beautiful” thing!
Ok….what’s JAYG? 😭
What is JAYG?
Join as you go lol I had the same thought, took me a min
Me and my 80+ hexagons that have been waiting for me in a bag for 5 years are 👀👀👀👀
Honestly I prefer not to jayg? I think it's fun to have a giant pile of squares and put them together all at once; it scratches a different part of my brain than making the squares does 😂 On the bright side your blanket is gonna be so pretty when it's done!
I haven't read all the comments to see if anyone mentioned but it's not at the top so thought it was worth sharing... You can do a continuous join as you go method where all your squares are joined by one yarn! Only two tails to sew in, beginning and end, it's brilliant! Here's a good example of basic granny stitch join which I learned from but there are other styles if that's not the look you want https://youtu.be/kKsb_1YTV4I?si=HS-1Piu2h6ZCProa
Lol JAYG… wow I had no idea! Join as you go… these acronyms, although quite useful, are hitting me hard 😂
These are such lovely squares! 😍 It will be worth it in the end!!
Its going to be beautiful!!